Lighthouses tied to legends and tragedies

Majestic, curious and cursed - these lighthouses and their stories will stick in your head forever.

Lighthouses have been a part of our history since ancient times, serving as beacons of hope for ship crews nearing harbour and symbols of adventure for many. However, for those who manned these lighthouses, life was often marked by loneliness and harsh, inhospitable conditions. This toll on their mental well-being is perhaps why so many ghost stories and legends are associated with lighthouses, often rooted in the tragic tales that unfolded within their walls.

Before delving into the mythology and legends, it's worth noting a few interesting facts about lighthouses. These structures have been guiding sailors for thousands of years. However, the majority of lighthouses were built during the 19th and 20th centuries, a period often referred to as the golden age of modern lighthouses. In the United States, for instance, the number of lighthouses dramatically increased from just 16 in 1840 to approximately 1,500 by 1940. Europe, along with its colonies, also saw significant growth in the number of lighthouses, although the United States continues to lead in terms of their total number today.

Lighthouses in numbers

  • The world's tallest lighthouse is in Saudi Arabia. The Jeddah Port Control Tower is 133 metres tall.
  • In contrast, the shortest lighthouse is just 3 metres in height. This is the lighthouse on Hilbre Island near Liverpool.
  • The oldest lighthouse is believed to be Pharos, aka the Lighthouse of Alexandria. It was built in Egypt by the Ptolemies between 280 and 247 BC. The lighthouse has not survived and its approximate form is only known from writings. We're not sure of the height either, but it's listed at 120-137 metres.
  • However, the oldest lighthouse still standing is the Tower of Hercules in the Spanish city of La Coruña. It dates back to antiquity and has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • Supposedly the most photographed is the historic Portland Head Lighthouse on Cape Elizabeth in Maine. No wonder it looks great from every angle.
  • The Phare du Creach lighthouse near Ushant, France, is the most luminous in the world, lighting up to 30 miles. In contrast, the United States' Sullivan's Island Lighthouse has the same range, but its luminosity is almost 500 times less.
  • Russian lighthouses beyond the Arctic Circle are powered by nuclear energy because it would be very difficult to bring electricity to them. More than 1,000 such lighthouses have been built, but only about 130 are currently in operation.
Portland Head Light_Maine_USA

Portland Head Light, Maine

Lighthouses and their colours

Why are some beacons striped and others white? White is used when the lighthouse stands against a dark background, while red or black stripes are applied in lighter environments, like on light-coloured cliffs, to ensure it stands out as a clear warning sign.

Lighthouses and their height

The height of a lighthouse is determined with the Earth's curvature in mind. The higher the light is above sea level, the further its reach. However, it's important that the light is visible both to distant ships and to those closer to shore. If the light is too high, it might not be visible to ships near land. This is why lighthouses on cliffs are generally lower, as their elevation already gives them height, while those near the water's surface are built taller to ensure visibility.

Lighthouses and their lights

Lighthouses close to each other always use distinct flash frequencies, enabling sailors to differentiate them in the dark. However, it's common for lighthouses in distant locations to share the same flashing pattern. Given the thousands of lighthouses worldwide, creating a unique pattern for each is impractical.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Lighthouses have been used for navigation since time immemorial. Check out what other navigational aids you will encounter on a boat and how to read charts like a true sailor.

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Lighthouses with remarkable stories

Modern lighthouses are automated and don't require a permanent caretaker. In the past, however, lighthouse keepers faced isolation, constant crashing waves, and howling winds, leading to the creation of many eerie legends associated with these structures.

A lighthouse called Hell

The Tévennec lighthouse in Brittany, located in the treacherous Raz de Sein waters known for their deadly currents, gained a notorious reputation as the "gateway to hell." The trouble began with the first lighthouse keeper, who was driven insane by voices demanding he leave the island. When his successor suffered a similar fate, it was decided to staff the lighthouse with two keepers, but even this did not halt the bizarre occurrences.

Local lore suggested the island was haunted by Ankou, a death symbolizing mythological creature, believed to collect the souls of sailors lost in the currents. Attempts to dispel these dark associations included an exorcism and carving crosses into the rocks. The French government took a more practical approach, allowing the next keeper to reside on the island with his family. Remarkably, the Quéméré family experienced no supernatural events. The lighthouse was automated in 1910 and remained uninhabited.

This changed in 2016 when Marc Pointud, president of the French Society for the Preservation of Lighthouses, stayed there for 60 days to raise funds for its renovation, becoming the first inhabitant in a century. His safe return and the resulting attention helped shed a new light on the lighthouse, ending the story on a positive note.

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Tévennec Lighthouse, Brittany

YACHTING.COM TIP: The waters around a lighthouse can be treacherous, which is why we're glad that sailors and mariners have not one, not two, but eight patron saints with a global reach. What can we say, the saints and goddesses of the sea simply love us. 


Lighthouses as the bane of generations

The story of the Sharidan family in Michigan is marked by tragedy, closely intertwined with their service in lighthouses. Aaron Sharidan, a Civil War veteran, moved with his wife Julia to the South Manitou Lighthouse on Lake Michigan, joining the ranks of nearly 130 lighthouse keepers in the area. After 12 years, a tragic turn of events claimed the lives of Julia and their youngest son, lost at sea during a storm. Their bodies were never recovered, but it's said that their spirits returned to the lighthouse, with visitors claiming to hear their voices.

The family's misfortunes didn't end there. Levi, the eldest son, perished in a railroad bridge collapse in Kentucky, and no body was found. The lighthouse duties then passed to George, another son, who grappled with depression for years and often relied on his wife to manage the lighthouse. Tragically, George ended his life while visiting his uncle, who was also a lighthouse keeper in Illinois, extending the family's tragic connection to not just one, but two lighthouses.

Lighthouse South Manitou_Michigan_USA

South Manitou Lighthouse, Michigan

Lighthouse dynasty of Canada

The story of the St. Lawrence Lighthouse on Île Verte, Canada, offers a brighter narrative, spotlighting the Lindsay family's unique legacy. This family effectively created a lighthouse dynasty, beginning with Robert Noël Lindsay, who served as the lighthouse keeper for 40 years. The responsibility then successively passed down to his son, grandson, and great-grandson. In 1964, with the automation of the lighthouse, the Lindsay family's official tenure as keepers came to an end.

However, their connection to the lighthouse didn't cease. They continued as its unofficial guardians. Notably, Rene Lindsay, the second-to-last keeper, along with other local keepers, established the Lighthouse Keepers Association. The Lindsay family remains dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history and memories of their forebears' roles in this unique profession.

Read more interesting facts from the world of yachting:

Lighthouses you want to visit

While lighthouses typically symbolize isolation, there are many that are far from lonely due to their unique appearances, historical significance, or the stunning views they offer — a natural advantage of all lighthouses. These characteristics make certain lighthouses extremely popular among visitors.

Hercules Tower | Spain

The Tower of Hercules, situated at the entrance of La Coruña's port in Spain, holds the title of the oldest surviving lighthouse from ancient Rome. While less than half of its structure is original and the rest is from an 18th-century reconstruction, the blend is seamless. 

Named after Hercules, who is said to have battled here, the lighthouse's appeal extends beyond its legend. Its surroundings are rich with history, featuring Roman architecture, a statue-filled park, a Muslim cemetery, and Iron Age rock carvings.

Tower of Hercules_Spain

Tower of Hercules, Spain

Chania | Crete

The historic lighthouse in Chania is a striking landmark, signaling the approach to the port. Constructed by the Venetians in the 16th century, its design intriguingly resembles a mosque's minaret. This is a testament to Crete's diverse cultural history, having been under the control of the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of Greece. Each of these cultures has left an imprint on the lighthouse, resulting in a unique architectural blend. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic harbour, it stands as a popular and visually captivating attraction.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Estimating distance at sea is not easy. Learn  how to judge distance correctly and stay safe.

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Chania Lighthouse, Crete

Tourlitis | Greece

It's almost hard to believe that the Tourlitis Lighthouse, perched on a rock near the port of Andros, is a real lighthouse. It's only 7 metres tall, with the sea-carved rock contributing to its height. This scenic lighthouse, rich in history, is actually a recent construction, built in the 1990s to replace the original one destroyed during World War II.

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Tourlitis Lighthouse, Greece

Formentor | Mallorca

The Formentor Lighthouse stands as a renowned landmark and popular excursion destination in Mallorca. Located at the island's northernmost point, it is perched on a steep cliff that dramatically descends into the sea. The views, whether from above the cliff or from the sea below, are equally stunning. The lighthouse's light is situated approximately 210 metres above sea level, offering a commanding and impressive presence.

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Formentor, Mallorca

Île Vierge | France

This islet, marking the English Channel's south-western border, faces the channel's fierce gales and waves. Impressively, it is home to one of the world's tallest lighthouses. The lighthouse, standing 82 metres tall, is made even more imposing by its massive granite walls and the presence of a smaller, older tower nearby. Visitors willing to climb the 397 steps of its spiral staircase are rewarded with a spectacular view of the English Channel from the lamp room. The journey up is visually stunning too, with the lighthouse's interior walls lined with white opal tiles that not only combat humidity but also beautifully reflect sunlight.

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Île Vierg Lighthouse, France

YACHTING.COM TIP: Still not enough? Take a look at our 15 most beautiful lighthouses you must visit and make sure to stop at them on your next voyage. 

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